How to Care for Houseplants During a Heat Wave

By Plant 4 Good  |  July 2026

It's one thing to worry about your garden when temperatures spike, but your houseplants are feeling the heat too. Whether you're home with them or heading out of town for the weekend or a vacation, a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Here's what to watch for and what to do.

Move plants away from hot glass

South- and west-facing windows can turn into an oven when it's nearly 100° outside. Even sun-loving houseplants can scorch when temperatures are this extreme. Pull plants a few feet back from the window, or relocate them to a shadier spot for the week.

Check the soil more often than usual

Air conditioning pulls moisture out of the air quickly, which means your pots will dry out faster than normal. Don't rely on your usual watering schedule during a heatwave. Check soil by feel or with a moisture meter or chopstick every day or two, and water when the top inch or two is dry.

Know the difference between heat stress and underwatering

Both can cause wilting and drooping, and they can look almost identical. Before reaching for the watering can, always check the soil first. If the soil is still moist and your plant is drooping, it's likely heat stress and moving it somewhere cooler is more helpful than adding more water.

Give them a little airflow

Stagnant hot air is hard on plants. A gentle fan running nearby (not pointed directly at the foliage) can help prevent heat buildup and keep air circulating. This is especially helpful in rooms that don't get much AC.

Heading out of town for a vacation?

Before you leave, give your plants a thorough, deep watering and move them away from hot windows. Consider using a watering globe or Plant Nanny to slowly release water into the soil over several days while you're away. A little prep before you head out the door goes a long way over a long weekend.

Your houseplants are pretty good at telling you how they feel with drooping leaves, dry soil, and crispy edges. Take a few minutes to check on them today, and they'll reward you with a much easier recovery when cooler temperatures return.